Especially during the Christmas season, each character in Luke's record comes to life for me. I crave details and long to ask them about their experiences. So I search and search for tidbits that can enhance the story I've embraced in the New Testament. ...

About two months ago, I was challenged to study a one-page religious document. Simultaneously, I have been studying documents related to the Civil War in a deeper, more thorough way, including looking at them word by word and studying their historical context. ...

I absolutely loved that little church. It was awesome. Every time I went, I felt closer to understanding who God was. Who Christ was. My heart would swell as I sang joyful words to Heavenly Father each Sunday. I loved Him—and He loved me. I could feel it so...

While this post does not go into detail, it does deal with the mature issue of sexual assault, and may not be suitable for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in three women and one in six...

Art is one of the great joys of this world. During my life, I have had the privilege of associating with some really great artists. Maybe I have had more than my share—or perhaps we all just need to recognize the plethora of incredible souls that have lived in our...

This blog post contains mature themes dealing with abuse that may not be suitable for all readers. Reader discretion is advised. At age 48, I sit reading my most prized possession. It’s worn from years of holding it too close to my panicked heart, yet the...

I went to the craft store in June and found the Christmas aisle was already stocked and sparkling. I was surprised! But since I love Christmas and the joy it brings, it brought a smile to my face and then I completely ignored it. I mean, that is way too early by any...

A couple of days ago, for the hundredth-plus time, I read this scripture: And it shall come to pass, saith the Lord of Hosts, yea, our great and true God, that whoso shall hide up treasures in the earth shall find them again no more, because of the great curse...

One day as the Savior was with a group of disciples, He started talking to them about treasure and the importance of laying up treasures in heaven. I was reading the verses depicted in this image and couldn't help but ask myself again, "What does Christ mean by...

This is part three in Lauren's conversion story. See parts one and two by clicking on their respective links. The featured image for this post is an original painting by the post's author, Lauren McKinnon, and all rights for its use belong to her. At this...

We live in an unpredictable world. Nations are in flux. The UK is trying to leave the EU and having a terrible amount of inner turmoil because of it. Russia and Ukraine are at odds. Africa is in such a state that people are migrating at an exponential rate. The US...

I am writing this piece on my younger sister’s birthday. Her life and accomplishments are enormous. At least from my perspective, they dwarf my own attainments. And that is fine. Life is not a contest. I want the very best for her. That is what is important to me....

Recently, I was rereading my notes from the October 2018 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Previously, I highlighted my notes according to different topics. As I studied my notes, I kept seeing the word “serve” and the word...

Telling your child that they have high-functioning autism (Asperger's) requires some preparation and a specific frame of mind — and because telling your friends and family is also a challenge, I will address that in this article too. But before I say anything else, I...

Early morning seminary in our stake also utilizes men from the stake as rotating security people. Ideally, the man volunteering as seminary security for that day arrives before everyone else, opens the gate to the church property, unlocks the building and our class...

One of the greatest gifts from our Heavenly Father is the ability we've been given to communicate with one of another. We have many senses—including smell, touch, vision and hearing—that we use to communicate. But none of these equal the power of our ability to use...

Do you think it is possible to have a friend of another faith with you at church every single Sunday? Yes, you read that right—every single Sunday. It sounds audacious, but it has been done. Diana Hoelscher of the audio CD “The Missionary Next Door” did just that...

When they announced in general conference that church would be two hours instead of three starting in January, my son cheered. He’s nine and has a hard time sitting quietly through church. But I was a little disappointed because church is where I often see most of the...

One of my most exhilarating experiences is familiar and comfortable. Though not common, it is regular. I know you have experienced this as well. What you call it, however, may vary some. Let me explain with an example. I love the thesaurus. That statement may...

Imagine thick black mud hugging the backs of your feet, dragging your every step. The air is dense and bitter. Every breath feels muffled and like you have only gotten enough air to survive, but not enough to relieve the stinging in your lungs. The bags under your...

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